In the final hours before making landfall, Hurricane Francine has rapidly intensified and is now shifting further east compared to previous projections. This change in trajectory and increased intensity will result in stronger winds and more significant impacts in the Greater New Orleans area on Wednesday night.
The center of Hurricane Francine is forecasted to pass within 50 miles west of New Orleans, placing the city on the right side of the storm. The right side typically experiences the strongest winds and the most severe weather conditions. With hurricane-force winds extending 35 miles from the center of the storm, there is a possibility that New Orleans may encounter sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, with gusts exceeding hurricane-force levels.
